The lead singer of Christian metal band As I Lay Dying, Tim Lambesis, has arrested yesterday for allegedly plotting to murder his estranged wife, Meggan. Lambesis attempted to hire a contracted killer (hitman) to kill his wife, but it turns out he was in contact with an undercover detective. According to court documents, the two met and when Lambesis explained his reasons for hiring the hitman he was arrested for "soliciting another to commit murder." As I Lay Dying fans are shocked.

According to San Diego County Sheriff's Department spokeswoman Jan Caldwell, Lambesis was taken into custody in Oceanside, which is near San Diego. The poice had learned about Lambesis' desire to hire a contracted killer, so they set up the meeting with the undercover officer. "The information came to us late last week. We acted quickly on it. I believe that we averted a great tragedy," Caldwell said.

According to an online court database, Tim's wife Meggan filed for divorce in September of 2012 in San Diego's Supremem Court, seeking dissolution of the marriage.

Caldwell did not reveal anything else about the case since it is an ongoing investigation. We still do not know why the heavy metal singer wanted to have his wife killed and we do not know what the police learned about the murder plot before arresting Lambesis.

Here is the official statement that was released by San Diego County Sheriff's Department:

As I Lay Dying has not released any statements or comments about the arrest and neither has their record label Metal Blade. Lambesis is expected to appear in court for an arraignment either on Wednesday or Thursday. On Monday, just a day before being arrested for soliciting another to commit murder, Tim Lambesis said on his Twitter page: "Goodbye China. I'll be home in about 15 hours."